Posts by AOEAwebmaster

ODL@home- The Great Backyard Bird Count

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Help scientists from home by participating in The Great Backyard Bird Count

Outdoor Lab staff have participated in such events at the Outdoor Lab and have documented a large variety of bird species.  When students are at the ODL, staff helps them identify birds by sight and sound.  Now you can help scientists from your own backyard!  Show us your favorite backyard birds. #GBBC #LovetheODL

From Audubon.org:

The 24th annual The Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) will be held Friday, February 12, through Monday, February 15, 2021. Please visit the official website at birdcount.org for more information and be sure to check out the latest educational and promotional resources.

The  GBBC is a free, fun, and easy event that engages bird watchers of all ages in counting birds to create a real-time snapshot of bird populations. Participants are asked to count birds for as little as 15 minutes (or as long as they wish) on one or more days of the four-day event and report their sightings online at birdcount.org. Anyone can take part in the Great Backyard Bird Count, from beginning bird watchers to experts, and you can participate from your backyard, or anywhere in the world.

Each checklist submitted during the GBBC helps researchers at the  National Audubon Society, Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Birds Canada learn more about how birds are doing, and how to protect them and the environment we share. Recently, more than 160,000 participants submitted their bird observations online, creating the largest instantaneous snapshot of global bird populations ever recorded.

 

New OutdoorLab Podcast Launches

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New Outdoor Lab podcast series: The Biscuit Mountain Breakdown

Welcome to the Biscuit Mountain Breakdown, the podcast where nature and education connect. Join us for discussions with researchers and experts that expand your understanding of outdoor education, nature, and science.

Check out the latest podcast  here

Or search your favorite podcast player for “Biscuit Mountain Breakdown.” 

Here is a link to Spotify.

 

AOEA Board- resolves to support Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Posted on by AOEAwebmaster

At its December meeting, the Board of Directors of the Arlington Outdoor Education Association reflected on the issues that were spotlighted in our country during 2020.

The AOEA Board resolved that:  “The Arlington Outdoor Education Association is committed to building sustainable, inclusive, equitable, and resilient communities.”

The AOEA also committed also undertake Diversity and Equity training for all Board members.

The AOEA will continue to work with our partner, Arlington Public Schools, to ensure all programs, policies and endeavors reflect our common goals to improve diversity, equity and inclusion.

Barnes&Noble Fundraiser Dec 5-9th

Posted on by AOEAwebmaster

The Outdoor Lab – Barnes & Noble online BookFair

Looking for meaningful holiday gifts? Shop online at Barnes & Noble and support the Outdoor Lab. Our Online Bookfair runs Dec 5th – 9th.

To help the Outdoor Lab, shop at BN.COM/bookfairs. Shop Barnes & Noble online for books, toys, and Holiday gifts. When you’re ready to checkout use Bookfair ID #12603981 and support the Outdoor Lab.

The on-line Bookfair details:

  • Saturday, December 5 – Wednesday, December 9.
  • Go to bn.com/bookfairs and use Bookfair ID #12603981 at checkout to link your purchase to our fundraiser

Share with your family and friends. Thank you for your continued support. Happy Holidays to you and your family.- 

B&N Flyer1Download

Chipotle Fundraiser- Sat Nov 21 5-9p- Lee Heights

Posted on by AOEAwebmaster

Save the Date for our Chipotle Fundraiser- Saturday Nov 21st from 5-9pm at the Lee Heights Chipotle!

The Outdoor Lab will receive part of the sales at the Chipotle in Lee Heights Shops (4520 Lee Hwy, Arlington, VA 22207)

Please share with your friends and family to help support the Outdoor Lab!  You can make it safer by ordering online for pickup.  Details and flyers below…

There are 4 ways to guarantee your purchase supports the Outdoor Lab:

  • Show the cashier a digital flyer prior to paying
  • Show the cashier a paper flyer prior to paying
  • Flying flyer-free? Just mention the fundraiser to the cashier prior to paying
  • Order online and pickup Chipotle by using the Promo Code 7TRDYRN on the Chipotle app or website.
  • Please note that fundraiser online ordering is only valid through pickup on Saturday Nov 21st from 5p-9p at the Lee Heights Chipotle location.
  • Ordering delivery for fundraisers is not permitted at this time. 

A few more notes:

  • Don’t order delivery or through a separate app – online orders will only count for pickup through the official Chipotle App or on our website.
  • Don’t place orders for your fundraiser on days other than your fundraiser date and time. Orders placed outside of your fundraiser date, time, or assigned restaurant WILL NOT be counted.
  • Don’t hand out flyers to our regular customers in or around the restaurant – that’s cheating! (Which may also lead to your fundraiser being cancelled)
  • Don’t alter your flyer in any way
  • Don’t be shy! Make sure you tell our cashier that you’re attending the fundraiser before you pay
  • Don’t purchase a gift card – gift card purchases during fundraisers do NOT count towards total donated sales, but purchases made with an existing gift card will count.

May 16th- AOEA Annual Meeting

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Since we had to cancel our Spring Open House, when we normally have the AOEA annual meeting, we will now meet virtually on Saturday May 16th at 12 noon. 

If you are interested in participating, send an email to [email protected] and details will be provided. 

The primary agenda item will be the AOEA board elections – but we will also provide information about the “State of the Lab”.  Hope you can join us – stay safe and “keep the fires burning”.

Cancelled- Spring Open House

Posted on by AOEAwebmaster

Due to COVID-19 this event has been cancelled. Check back in Fall for the next Open House events.

The Outdoor Lab Open House is scheduled for Saturday May 16th 12-4pm.

Enjoy nature with your family as you hike the trails, try fishing in the pond, paddle a canoe, or visit with the animals in the Lab. We’ll have a cookout with hot dogs and smores or you can bring a picnic to enjoy. It’s fun for all ages and free for Arlington Families and friends.

While at the lab, talk to AOEA board members about the upcoming capital projects or how you could volunteer. We’re looking for additional board members and have lots of great projects on our plate!

Consider carpooling with neighbors or friends to reduce your carbon footprint. Directions can be found here and parking info will be posted closer to the event.

In case of inclement weather, check back here for cancellations or updates.  An Open House Rain Date has been tentatively scheduled for Saturday May 30th 12-4pm.

We look forward to seeing you!